I am a current second-year orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) student, rigorously preparing to enter the field in just a few short months for my residency. My journey, filled with demanding coursework and specialized training, reflects my commitment to a profession that is vital to improving patient care and bolstering our nation’s rehabilitation workforce. Unfortunately, recent legislative developments, specifically a bill introduced during Donald Trump’s administration, have put the future of O&P education in jeopardy.

Orthotics and prosthetics is not just a career, but a calling that requires years of dedicated education and hands-on experience. Turning this vital field into something without the prestigious recognition of a professional degree undermines the quality of care that practitioners like myself can provide. The Trump-era bill threatens to make this path financially unviable for future students due to significant tuition increases and reduced financial aid options, potentially deterring talented and passionate individuals from pursuing careers in O&P.

In recent years, with the aging population and increasing numbers of diabetes-related amputations, the demand for skilled orthotists and prosthetists has never been higher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Ensuring that O&P remains a professional degree is not only essential for sustaining this growth but also for ensuring that patients continue to receive the best care possible from highly trained specialists.

This bill puts all of this at risk, threatening to degrade the standards and accessibility of O&P education. Today, I ask for your help to advocate for the maintenance of orthotics and prosthetics as a professional degree program. Together, we can urge Congress and the relevant educational bodies to maintain the integrity and accessibility of O&P programs, ensuring future students can afford to fulfill this vital role in healthcare.

If you believe in maintaining high-quality education standards and accessible professional training for orthotics and prosthetics students, please sign this petition. Your support can make a difference in preserving the future of orthotics and prosthetics as a professional degree, safeguarding patient care and our nation's rehabilitation workforce.